13 February 2023
Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Some passages in Sacred Scripture are more challenging than others and the Gospel reading we have today is one that can feel a little opaque or difficult to understand. I once received an excellent insight for reading/interpreting Scripture from one of my spiritual directors. He told me that, especially when dealing with passages that feel challenging, it’s always important to ask yourself “why is this good news”? If the Gospel is in fact the Good News (which it is), there is no part of it in which the love of God and his desire for our goodness and salvation is not unfolding or somehow being revealed. This doesn’t mean it’s always easy to receive when we find it, but the invitation is always there.
The passage today is short and terse. The Pharisees have come forward to argue with Jesus and are demanding a sign to test Him. What’s more, we know from earlier passages (Mk 3:6) that they’re already probing for evidence they can use against Jesus because they are trying to destroy Him. In situations like these, it’s sometimes helpful to zoom out and consider the situation afresh. Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, Second Person of the Trinity, out of incredible, infinite passion and love for humankind assumed flesh and came to dwell with us and to set us free from the darkness of our own hearts. Instead of responding with joy or reverence or elation or praising the wondrous, literal presence of God in their midst, however, the Pharisees in this passage are totally oblivious. They are literally looking into the eyes of God and trying to find a way to end his life. It’s honestly crazy if you really take a moment to think about the situation.
So where is the good news in all of this? For one thing, in his infinite omniscience, God could have chosen to do anything. Even in knowing that He would face rejection, suffering, and be put to a horrible torturous death, He came to be with us anyways because of His absolutely unfathomable love for us. God’s desire for relationship with us is so great that He was willing to endure the frustrating, gut-wrenching moments of pain and heartache. In the midst of all this, one piece of exceptionally good news is the intense, passionate love that God has for us personally and his boundless desire for greater relationship with each of us at each and every moment of our lives.